What's Your Secret: Allodynia-Dealing with Hair Pain

By Holly Harding

1 min read

In this What's Your Secret video we'll be discussing allodynia, the sensation of hair follicle, scalp and skin tenderness and pain. We talk about what it feels like, as well as treatment ideas and ask you to share in the comments section below any tips you might have for coping with this symptom.

We still have a lot to learn about why this occurs and the best ways to combat it. Please share your experiences and any strategies you use to cope with the condition in the comment section below so that we can learn from one another.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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nicdonn Member
My allodynia got so intense and was continuous for over a year. It was so bad that it frequently caused me to cry. My doctor said to start counting every day with it as a migraine day and my response was "it never stops." Then I got a new doctor at my headache center (a new lead came in and mine was transitioning to purely inpatient hospital work) and he asked why no one tried a nerve block. He did and it stopped. Now I get an occipital nerve block whenever I start experiencing it as a symptom again (so far 2 blocks in the last 15 months). My insurance doesn't cover it (they consider it "experimental" for anything related to migraines, but it is totally worth it.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Amazing to hear a nerve block was successful at stopping the allodynia. I've never heard of using that approach. Thank you so much for sharing it. Getting effective treatments covered by insurance is a whole other story! The stress involved in getting our insurance companies to cover treatments that work can be a migraine trigger all on its own! <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/when-health-insurance-makes-you-sick' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/when-health-insurance-makes-you-sick/</a> Thanks again for letting us know what is working for you! Please stay in touch.
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Linda- so glad we could help you see that you are not alone in experiencing this condition! Thanks, too, for sharing what has worked for you to calm the pain. Please stay in touch and so glad you are a part of our community!
carsons23 Member
Wow, I learn so much here. I have had this since I was a young teen & thought it was related to psoriasis on my scalp. Going to pay attention to this symptom now. Thanks!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 So glad we could give you some more insights on a condition you've been experiencing for years! We have a number of articles on the topic here: <a href='https://migraine.com/?s=allodynia' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/?s=allodynia</a> Thanks for being a part of our community! Please stay in touch.
mrst53 Member
I have this symptom for years and I thought it was just me. Wow after 52 years of migraine, I found out something new and a new migraine symptom.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 It is one of those conditions of which few are aware. Here is a link to a number of articles on the topic, in case you are interested: <a href='https://migraine.com/?s=allodynia' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/?s=allodynia</a> Good to hear from you and please stay in touch!
bluesguy Member
Thank you for sharing this video. It is amazing to see how many people have been living with this set of symptoms, and not know how prevalent it is. I saw that someone else has had nerve blocks. My pain doctor has given me nerve blocks off and on for the past 6 years. I found them to be helpful for a short period of time (about three weeks or so). I also live with ice on my head for hours. I find the ice to be a temporary fix.
bamafan Member
As I read article after article and watch all the videos, I keep wanting to run to my front door, open it, and yell, "I'm not crazy, after all!" I have battled migraine for almost 30 years and this is the first time I'm reading and seeing things that sound as if I could have written them. I can't tell you how amazing and how freeing this is! THANK YOU FOR THIS AMAZING SITE!!
1. Joanna Bodner Community Admin
 Your beautiful comment just made my night! Thank you greatly for taking the time to share such kind feedback. It is SO important to know that you are never alone in this struggle & in what you are experiencing. I am THRILLED that this site has provided you with some comfort. I hope you only continue to find the information & support you are looking for. Know we are always here to lend an ear & reach out anytime. 😀 Have a restful night. -Joanna (Migraine.com Team)
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi BamaFan- I'm so glad to hear that this video, in addition to other videos and articles, resonated with you. What a relief to finally feel the validation and affirmation that you are not alone. Indeed, there are millions of us who are with you! You are not crazy and you are not alone. We are so glad you are a part of our community. If you would like to share your story, we'd love to hear it: <a href='https://migraine.com/stories' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/stories/</a> Stay in touch.
fabulousapril Member
Hi, for those of you that have very sensitive skin I have found that jersey knit sheets (they are like tee shirts) are the only type I can use. Percale and the like feel like brillo pads on my skin and make me want to cry. I have tried a few different retailers and the best quality I have found come from Walmart and they are called "Luxury Modal Cotton Jersey Sheets" there are cheaper ones however, the quality is not near as good. They will stretch on your bed so pull them tight and the seam on the pillowcases might be a little wonky but it is a very small price to pay to sleep comfortably. Good Luck!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 This is a great tip! I have found that flannel work for me for the same reason, but they quickly pill so can become scratchy. I've tried the jersey but have become irritated by how easily/quickly they stretch out- still - you are SO right- they are superiorly soft- and inexpensive comparatively too! Appreciate you sharing this idea with the rest of us. So wonderful to learn from one another.
kweese Member
I have not found anywhere to bring this up before now! My migraines cause this for days on end! It is horrible, also as if your scalp is asleep. You cannot shake the pain! I always have to use heat but it still don’t help!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi Kweese- glad you finally have found an article on this topic. You are definitely not alone and experiencing this and we actually do have a lot of different resources on this topic which, you are right, can be the source of such irritation and pain! Here’s an overview on those resources in case you’re interested in taking a look: <a href='https://migraine.com/?s=allodynia+' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/?s=Allodynia+</a> Glad you’re with us. Please stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).